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Camping on Mingulay in 2003  

© Photo Steve Crowe

Mingulay has been uninhabited since 1912 and is well known for its large seabird population, including puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, shags, fulmar and razorbills. The island also has a large number of sea stacks and a large natural arch. Only two buildings survive on the island: the schoolhouse and the priest's house, although the latter has recently lost its roof and front wall. Also associated with the island is the Mingulay Boat Song, although it was composed in 1938, after the abandonment of Mingulay. The National Trust for Scotland have owned the island since 2000. There are no facilities whatsoever on the island. 

Mingulay has become very popular as a destination for rock climbers. In general the climbs avoid the areas favoured by the nesting birds (for obvious reasons!) but climbers are asked to avoid disturbing nesting colonies during the breeding season.  There are a few hundred established routes most of which require access by abseil (up to 100m).

OS Map Reference: NL543820

Dun Mingulay Main Cliff (Sron an Duin).

© Photo Steve Crowe